Believe goes that Makar Sankranti is the most auspicious day of the year and has a very sacred mythological story associated. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase which begins around mid-December. Further it is also believed that any sacred makar sankranti ritual can be performed from this day onwards. The auspicious day Makar Sankranti also marks the beginning of warmer and longer days as compared to nights. Now let’s know what mythology says about this lucky day.

Mata Mahishasurmardini – a powerful form of Goddess Durga, had descended with the purpose of destroying Mahishasur. The Goddess had first set foot on earth, in the Kataraaj ashram of Rishi Kardam and Devahuti.

It is also believed that on this day Lord Sun visits God Shani who is owner of the constellation Makar. Since Shani is the foster child of Sun, they do not share a good relation. However, it is Shani's responsibility to take care of his father. Hence, this day signifies the priority of responsibilities.

Even in the epic of Mahabharata, an episode mentions how people in that era also considered the day as auspicious. Bhishma Pitamah even after being wounded in the Mahabharata war lingered on till Uttarayan set in, so that he can attain heavenly abode in auspicious times. It is said that death on this day brings Moksha or salvation to the deceased.